Home remedies can be effective, safe and frugal

A range of health problems can be effectively taken care of with items typically found around the home, said Aviva Romm, president of the American Herbalists Guild.

Melissa Erickson

A range of health problems can be effectively taken care of with items typically found around the home, said Aviva Romm, president of the American Herbalists Guild. “Home remedies can be relied on for many self-limiting conditions.”

A note of caution: Whenever using home remedies, if symptoms get worse, fall back on pharmaceuticals and your doctor’s advice, Gladstone said.

Plantain poultice

Plantain is one of the most common wild medicinal plants and grows freely at the edge of gardens and lawns (when unmowed). Take several leaves of plantain, either fresh or dried, and mash with hot water. Place the poultice directly against a wound or cut. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Bleeding

For a wound, nosebleed or heavy menstrual bleeding that won’t let up, yarrow may stop it. For external use, crush yarrow flowers and leaves (fresh or dried) with boiling water and apply as a topical poultice. For internal use, drink a 1/2 cup of tea every half hour or 1/2 teaspoon of tincture every 10 minutes until bleeding stops.

Indigestion

Mix equal parts of peppermint, chamomile and ginger together. Use 2 teaspoons of the herb mix with 1 cup water. Pour boiling water over the herbs; let steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Can sweeten with a little honey or stevia. Drink one cup before and after meals.

Bee stings and insect bites

Pure essential lavender oil is an effective remedy for bee stings and insect bites. Put a few drops directly on the bite; repeat every 10 minutes until the sing/bite is relieved.